The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1446-2018·Announced 2018-05-09

Siemens SOMATOM Emotion 16 CT Scanner Recalled for Dose Calculation Error

Siemens Medical Solutions is recalling 1,301 SOMATOM Emotion 16 CT scanners because a software algorithm may incorrectly calculate radiation dose for head scans, potentially exposing patients to unnecessary radiation.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (unnecessary radiation exposure) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for theoretical or unreported harm.

Plain-English summary

Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. is recalling 1,301 units of the SOMATOM Emotion 16 CT scanner. These devices are intended to produce cross-sectional images of the body by computer reconstruction of x-ray transmission data. The recall is due to a potential software defect in the CARE Dose4D algorithm.

The defect may cause incorrect tube current calculations for head scans that use posterior-anterior (p.a.) or anterior-posterior (a.p.) topograms. In rare cases, depending on the geometrical shape of the patient's skull bone, the calculated dose distribution may be inappropriate. This could lead to unnecessary radiation exposure for patients.

The affected units were distributed nationally in the United States. The source text does not specify specific dates, lot numbers, or reported injuries. Healthcare facilities should contact Siemens Medical Solutions for instructions on how to address the software issue.

The recalled product

Product
SOMATOM Emotion 16 Intended to produce cross-sections images of the body by computer reconstruction of x-ray transmission data.
Affected units
1,301

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (1)

  • 10046789

Distribution

Distribution scope not specified by the agency.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 15 recalled by Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc under a single FDA (Devices) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 15 products in this recall →

Same manufacturer · Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc

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